James Jordan talks Strictly performances
TV

James Jordan criticises Strictly star Giovanni Pernince over lift with Rose Ayling-Ellis

The pro-dancer had some things to say about Rose and Gio's performance on Saturday...

James Jordan made a dig at Strictly Come Dancing pro dancer Giovanni Pernice over a ‘risky’ dive lift he did with Rose Ayling-Ellis in Saturday’s show.

In his column for Hello Magazine, ex-Strictly pro James criticised Giovanni’s decision to impress the judges.

What did James Jordan say about Rose and Giovanni’s dance?

James Jordan was a fan of Rose and Giovanni's dance on strictly
The lift in Rose and Gio’s lift drew praise from the Strictly judges, but James Jordan had a different opinion (Credit: BBC)

Alongside his wife, Ola Jordan, James shared his th0ughts on the weekend’s Strictly show in his Hello Magazine column. James claimed on Twitter that the column contains “the only honest review of Strictly you’ll find”.

James and Ola were unanimous in their opinion that Saturday’s performance wasn’t their favourite from Rose Ayling-Ellis.

Read more: Strictly judge Shirley Ballas ‘heartbroken’ as she pays tribute to brother 18 years after his death

“It wasn’t one of her epic performances. It rightly deserved its place at the top of the leaderboard though,” James said.

The 43-year-old pro dancer then went on to say that he didn’t feel as though the lift in Rose and Giovanni’s dance was needed.

Towards the end of their performance, Rose dives at Giovanni. The Italian pro catches her arms and spins her around without her touching the floor.

What else did James Jordan say about the Strictly star’s routine?

James Jordan says Rose deserves to be in the Strictly final
Rose and Gio picked up 39 points for their routine (Credit: BBC)

“I always preferred to keep it clean and safe with my celebrities,” James said. “I didn’t think that ‘leap of faith’ lift was needed in such a stunning American Smooth – though I can see why it impressed the judges.”

Ola echoed her husband’s comments about the lift not being needed but was full of praise for the pair for trying to push boundaries.

James Jordan said that Rose is the only celebrity who is guaranteed to be in the Strictly final. He also said that she has won the trophy already, and deservedly so.

Following their performance, which saw them pick up 39 points, Rose took to Instagram to pay tribute to Giovanni.

What else happened on the show this week?

“A leap of faith,” she wrote. “What a perfect phrase to sum up our partnership. Trust is super important in dance and I’ve learnt that very quickly. I know Giovanni is always there to catch me and that’s what makes him so good at what he does!”

“Thank you for not dropping me Gio, I appreciate that,” she added.

Read more: Strictly judge Shirley Ballas claps back at viewer over her scoring of Dan Walker

Elsewhere this weekend, Dan Walker went up against AJ Odudu in the dance-off. Unfortunately for the BBC Breakfast presenter, the judges all voted in favour of AJ and her dance partner, Kai Widdrington.

There are four celebrities left in the competition now. Rose, AJ, John Whaite, and Rhys Stephenson will battle it out for a spot in the final in Saturday’s semi-finals.

Strictly Come Dancing continues on BBC One and BBC iPlayer at 7.05 pm on Saturday, December 11.

Rose and Giovanni American Smooth to This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)  ✨ BBC Strictly 2021

Do you agree with James Jordan and Ola’s Strictly opinions? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know!


Robert Emlyn Slater
Senior Writer